German firm develops 3D-printed social housing scheme

Several elements will rely on conventional methods, but the first and second floors of the 651-square-metre block will be created using high-tech printers provided by Cobod.

The housing scheme follows Peri developing data centre and football clubhouse projects using this technology earlier in the year.

Fabian Meyer-Brötz, managing director at Peri, said: “We are pleased to be able to demonstrate once again how quickly, efficiently and in a resource-saving manner the 3D printer can create living space, and what potential is also opening up in the multi-family house segment.

“We are convinced that the technology is already ready for widespread use on modern construction sites – and especially for social housing projects.”

Henrik Lund-Nielsen, founder of Cobod International, said: “This project continues the trend that we have seen the last couple of years, where the technology has made some remarkable leaps forward, moving away from just being used for small houses on one floor to also being used for larger and larger projects with multiple floors.”

Ina Scharrenbach, North Rhine-Westphalia’s construction and digitalisation minister, said: “With the pioneering project in Lünen, we are showing that public housing can be built quickly, modernly and sustainably despite these challenging times.

“North Rhine-Westphalia is setting standards in construction and continuing to push for more affordable housing.”